Technically speaking, Great Bend qualified for the 2020 5A state volleyball tournament. Great Bend played just one match, a loss to Maize South in the covid plagued season 

This time, the 2-time Western Athletic champions are gunning for a true state berth where three matches are guaranteed. The Panthers (33-2) play Goddard with the Hays High/Valley Center winner qualifying for Saturday's substate championship match.

The Panthers statistical leaders are Kya Behr, 716 assists, 319 serves, 249 digs, 187 winners; Alex Mayers, 279 serves, 249 serves received, 217 digs, 149 winners; Ava Kaiser, 396 serves received, 277 serves, 304 digs; Cassie Ellegood, 239 winners, 49 blocks; Mikala Minton, 256 digs, 209 serves received; Kara Feist, 184 winners, 70 blocks and Kimmie Hofflinger, 294 serves.

5A WEST SUBSTATES 10-26

TOPEKA—Topeka Seaman 35-2 vs. Topeka West 13-21, 1 p.m.; Emporia 23-12 vs. Maize South 23-13

GREAT BEND—Great Bend 33-2 vs. Goddard 12-19, 1 p.m.; Hays High 27-8 vs. Valley Center 20-12

ANDOVER—Andover High 29-4 vs. Arkansas City 15-16, 1 p.m.; Wichita Carroll 28-8 vs. Goddard Eisenhower 21-13

ANDOVER—Andover Central 29-6 vs. Hutchinson High 16-17, 1 p.m.; Wichita Kapaun-Mt. Carmel 28-7 vs. Salina South 20-16